I agree with the title if things didn't degrade or break...

 

Yes, for pure output going output is turbocharging is "better" than N/A. But for me, there are other considerations. My Z has 170K miles. A turbo kit, even w/mild boost, would definitely hurt its durability/reliability. Yes, once it spools up I'm sure it's fast, but I'd trade that delayed speed for the instant response of N/A. And even if it only adds 50lb to the front end, that's 50lb I don't want. I'd rather drop 50lb from the car than add 50lb to make turbocharged power. Plus anyone can slap a cheap turbo kit on. But to actually make the motor be able to handle the power reliably, it's better to build it, which takes away much of the HP/$ advantage over N/A. Truthfully I am OK with the stock power; I'd just like a little more top end and some more sound. I don't need another 100HP, my bike is more than fast enough for that.

And the Chewbacca sound is def not limited to the stock exhausts. The sound changes, but it still has a weird warble I'm just not crazy about when the two streams merge. It's way less prevalent in cars with headers and HR cars which makes me think it's something to do with the headers.

 

The ONLY thing I miss from my 350...that DE exhaust "bauble". Id drive 30 miles just go under an underpass to hear it, lol.

 

Because a stock Z is already pretty good where it's at. You have to pay big $ to make little changes to what's already pretty good, to squeeze out that last bit of improvement.

 

Bolt-on horsepower will be tough. Buy every possible bolt-on and you may get an extra 3 percent horsepower. Pretty expensive for 3 percent.

Suspension is another matter. I went with the NISMO suspension and improved my autocross times. Trade-off was teeth jarring ride on the street.

There is always a trade-off.

 

OP, to what end are you looking to mod the car?

I have been tracking my car for ~8 years. I have changed a good bit on the car, but I have yet to try an add any HP.

Improving handling comes with reasonable costs, but bolt-on HP gains cost way too much for what little you get IMHO.

 

Sounds like the OP wants instant/easy power on a low budget, has no course of action and is stuck between a rock and a hard place with the DE. Change out the final drive, best bang for buck.

 

The car is pretty much 100% street driven. I would be happy with engine mods that give the car more bark in the engine note and marginal gains, and either the 07+ Track wheels with spacers or some aftermarket 19s with 255/35 & 275/35 F/R. Also want to upgrade the brakes, though to be fair I haven't had problems. Maybe something to help with the power loss in the summer. All winter this car has been wowing me with its power and poise... it really inspires confidence and is relatively comfy (I drove it to/from NY & FL from NC)... I wouldn't want to change that.

 

well you picked the wrong car to mod. this isnt a civic, it was a car built completely for performance and nissan designed it perfectly for what its supposed to be used for.

 

People will eventually get bored of their N/A power. Hell, even me, a relatively mild kinda guy, is getting slightly bored with my turbo set-up.

I think if you're gonna go the N/A route, you need to do something like Rickdogg did which is a gutting of the car, corner balancing etc.

 

I don't think this is true at all, i hate turbo lag so much i won't even want a turbo setup even if you paid me.

turbo, not even once

 

I am kind of disappointed with the differential bushings. I just had mine go this past month about right on about 7 years. I upgraded with solid differential mounts and energy suspension sub frame, poly trans mounts, and poly engine mounts and there is a major increase in performance. There is more noise and vibration but it is one of the most noticeable mods I have done. this car doesn't even compare to the way it drove before differential bushing blew.

 

Your loss.

You make it sound like all turbo-equipped cars are lethargic diesels. It's 2014.

 

/ok

 

Your lack of experience with turbo is showing.

 

I just don't like turbos. I'd rather "waste" that money on N/A parts and making the car lighter. My bike does 0-100 in 10 seconds N/A @ 40 MPG... I don't need another 200HP in the Z. What is so hard to understand about other people not wanting what you want?

 

errrr prefer to not have turbo lag = lack of experience? ok

 

LOL!

 

The "turbo lag" might last for like a second during a rolling race and then all the N/A Z will see is a turbo Z's rear lights.

 

i don't see how that's relevant to the fact that i do not prefer to deal with turbo lag, but, ok